The landscapes in this loop are the effect of three prairie rivers -
the Cimarron, the North Canadian and the South Canadian. Flooded
woodland, cattail wetlands and natural springs are nestled amongst
rolling uplands carpeted with mixed-grass prairies and eastern
red cedar (This not a misprint – this evergreen is not a true cedar
but a juniper!). This diversity of wooded areas, wetlands and
prairie provide habitat for both eastern and western bird species.
Canton Lake, a 7900 acre reservoir, is the largest body of water on
the Great Plains Trail and attracts bald eagles, American
white pelicans, gulls, and waterfowl during
winter. Adjacent to this lake is a prairie dog town that is
active unless extremely cold. Eastern meadowlarks,
dickcissels, and roadrunners are common in summer.
Rio Grande turkey and wood duck are year-round
residents. Count the number of scissor-tailed flycatchers
perched on barbed wire fences and utility lines as you travel this
loop during spring, summer and early fall- you’ll be astounded at
the total!

Roman Nose State Park (9-1):
800.892.8690;
www.travelok.com. Directions:
Located 4 miles north of the town of Watonga on Hwy 8, then 3 miles N on Hwy
8A.

One-Day Outings: Fill
up your gas tank and pack a picnic lunch or enjoy lunch at any of the local
cafes and restaurants in Watonga, Seiling, Vici, Leedey and Canton.

Roman
Nose State Park (9-1)Once
a winter campground of the Cheyenne tribe, this area now is a scenic retreat
set on a canyon bluff that over-looks ancient mesas. Withhiking
trails, two lakes, natural springs, trout fishing in season, canoeing, horse
stables and hayrides this Park offers a full day of wildlife-viewing fun.
Check out their website (see above) for more information on lodging,
scheduled programs and other amenities.

Canton
Lake and Wildlife Management Area (9-2)This
beautiful man-made lake offers various outdoor recreational activities for
the entire family. The Corps of Engineers operates five multi-use
recreation areas that offer overnight camping and day-use to the public.
Sightseers may view the lake from the 2.5 mile stretch of State Highway 58A
that crosses over Canton Dam. Three parking areas with fishing jetties are
located on the dam. Other features include a nature trail, overlook visitor
center, outdoor amphitheater with scheduled weekend programs, a scenic drive
and an active prairie dog town. (Contact information above.)

Two Rivers Scenic
Drive:
Drive this route to get an overview of the landscape’s beauty created by the
North Canadian and South Canadian Rivers. Enjoy the South Canadian River
floodplain as you drive the winding road from Watonga to Taloga on Hwy 270.
Turn west2 miles northwest of Oakwood off of Hwy 270 and stop at the Oakwood Low water Bridge (9-3). It will
provide the traveler with an opportunity to look for wildlife at a cattail
wetland. Continue west to Hwy 183 and turn north (right) to travel to
Taloga. North of Taloga, park in the parking area north of the bridge and
take a short walk down to the S. Canadian River to look for wildlife at the
beginning of the Canadian River Nature Trail
(9-4). Beware of quicksand. A little further north out
of Taloga pull out at the Raffington Hill (9-5)
to explore the base of this hill for lizards as well as the large trees for
birds. Next, back track to the blacktop road just north of the bridge and
travel west approx. 3.8 miles then 1.5 miles south on gravel road to the Dewey County WMA (9-6) and park in the
parking area. Walk a little way down the foot path to watch for wildlife.
Continue west on the blacktop and follow the Trail signs as you drive the ~
42 mile Canadian River Valley Drive (9-8)
and enjoy the vistas. At Camargo, turn north (right) onto Hwy 34 and travel
to Vici for a break. Take Hwy 60 east to Seiling then turn south onto Hwy
270. Take Hwy 51 east to Canton Lake (9-2)
that was created when the N. Canadian River was dammed. Travel Hwy 51 and
Hwy 51A to Roman Nose State Park (9-1).

Birding Route: The
Two Rivers Scenic Drive (see above) is
an excellent birding route. Be at the Oakwood
Low Water Bridge (9-3) at dawn.

Red Bluff Inn and Spa (9-10): The
Inn provides a spectacular view of a bluff embracing a picturesque lake at
its base. Mixed-grass prairie combined with a network of wooded canyons
make this a birders paradise. Bring your horse and enjoy 480 acres of
riding trails. Lots of walking trails, very comfortable accommodations and
excellent food make this a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Contact info
under Lodging. Rawhide Creek Ranch (9-11)is found along the bluffs of the South Canadian
River where you will find everything from river bottoms filled with willows
and cottonwoods to rolling hills that are covered with plum thickets. For a
unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience a memorable hunt
contact:
www.huntrawhidecreek.com, 866.328.4868.